Traders' group saved

Last Friday's meeting was called jointly by the chairman and by former St Mark's Ward councillor Stuart Earl because of a pressing need to attract new officers to run the association.

After being proposed and elected chairman Stuart Earl thanked all those who had contributed over the past years in making Little Common a unique place to shop and visit especially volunteers like George Ryder who although not in business himself gave superb service to the association and the whole community.

He said special thanks must also go to Jo Clarke whose hospitality and hard work for the business community had been invaluable over the past 12 months.

Mr Earl said with the support of those present it was essential that the association preserved the unique quality of Little Common, where all the retail businesses's offered superb personal service to their customers.

Yet to maintain this vibrant community it would require everyone to pull together.

Members expressed the need to inform the public that the summer floral displays, Christmas lights and the summer country fair were all provided by the business community not Rother District Council; real hands-on participation by a few volunteers making a difference.

It was also highlighted that the association needed the support of all those who were unable to attend, especially the estate agents, whose attendance could have helped with the early introduction of a new scheme to welcome newcomers to the area.

A new committee was elected and the date of the next meeting fixed for March 16 at Little Common Football Club at 6pm, members and non- members welcome.